Past Paper On Research Methodology For Revision
if there is one subject that keeps students up at night more than any other, it is Research Methodology. It is the “engine room” of your degree. Whether you are writing a small term paper or a massive 20,000-word dissertation, you have to prove that your data isn’t just a collection of guesses, but a scientifically sound investigation.
Below is the exam past paper download link
BBS-3350-RESEARCH-METHODOLOGY-
Above is the exam past paper download link
The exam for this subject tests your logic. It’s not just about knowing what a “p-value” is; it’s about knowing why you would choose a semi-structured interview over a survey. To help you get into the researcher’s mindset, we’ve tackled the “Big Five” questions that appear in almost every Research Methodology past paper.
Research Methodology: Essential Revision Q&A
Q1: What is the difference between “Inductive” and “Deductive” reasoning? A: This is the starting point of any research design. Deductive reasoning (top-down) starts with a theory, develops a hypothesis, and then collects data to test if the theory is true. Inductive reasoning (bottom-up) starts with specific observations, finds patterns, and then develops a broad theory at the end. In short: Deduction tests theory; Induction builds it.
Q2: Differentiate between “Probability” and “Non-Probability” Sampling. A: In Probability Sampling (like Simple Random Sampling), every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. This allows you to generalize your findings to the whole group. In Non-Probability Sampling (like Convenience or Snowball Sampling), you choose participants based on specific criteria or ease of access. This is great for in-depth qualitative work but isn’t statistically representative of the general public.
Q3: What are “Independent” and “Dependent” variables? A: Think of it as cause and effect. The Independent Variable is the one you change or control (e.g., the amount of fertilizer given to a plant). The Dependent Variable is what you measure to see the effect (e.g., how tall the plant grows). The plant’s height depends on the fertilizer.
Q4: Explain the concept of “Triangulation” in research. A: Triangulation is the researcher’s way of “double-checking” their results. It involves using multiple methods, data sources, or theories to study the same phenomenon. For example, you might use a survey to get numbers (Quantitative) and follow up with interviews (Qualitative) to understand the why. If both methods point to the same conclusion, your research is much more credible.
Q5: What is the difference between “Reliability” and “Validity”? A: Reliability is about consistency (if you did the test again, would you get the same result?). Validity is about accuracy (are you actually measuring what you claim to be measuring?). A broken scale that always tells you that you weigh 5kg too much is reliable (consistent), but it is not valid (accurate).
Why You Must Practice with Research Past Papers
Research Methodology exams are famous for “Critique” questions. You might be given a short description of a flawed study and asked to “Identify three ethical breaches and two methodological errors.”
By practicing with our past papers, you will:
Master the Vocabulary: Learn to use terms like Epistemology, Ontology, and Phenomenology correctly.
Identify Ethical Trapdoors: Practice spotting issues with “Informed Consent” and “Anonymity.”
Design Studies on the Fly: Most papers ask you to “Propose a research design for the following problem.” Practice makes this second nature.
Access the Full Revision Archive
Ready to move from “confused student” to “confident researcher”? We have compiled a comprehensive PDF containing five years of Research Methodology past papers, including sample proposals and marking guides.
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Last updated on: March 2, 2026
New information gained / new value takehome
- Research Methodology: Essential Revision Q&A Q1: What is the difference between “Inductive” and “Deductive” reasoning?
- A: Triangulation is the researcher’s way of “double-checking” their results.
- It involves using multiple methods, data sources, or theories to study the same phenomenon.
- A: Reliability is about consistency (if you did the test again, would you get the same result?
This content was developed using AI as part of our research process. To ensure absolute accuracy, all information has been rigorously fact-checked and validated by our human editor, Frankline Kirimi.
External resource 1: Google Scholar Academic Papers
External resource 2: Khan Academy Test Prep
Reference 1: KNEC National Examinations
Reference 2: JSTOR Academic Archive
Reference 3: Shulefiti Revision Materials
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